The team, which some experts had expected might contend for the AFC West crown this season, was a disaster. It went through more than half of the season until they held a lead in regulation. Offensive touchdowns were few and far-between. The team's lone home victory came on the solemn Sunday following the murder-suicide committed by linebacker Jovan Belcher.

"I remember when Paul Wiggins had the team back in the early 80s. That was a pretty poor team," said longtime fan Bill Busch. "But this is the worst ever in my recollection."

There were fan rebellions, including a campaign calling on fans to wear black clothes to a late-season home game. Over the stadium, planes towed banners calling for management changes.

Fans said they expected Crennel to get the ax.

"Oh no, I'm not surprised at all," said Jerry Kee. "I've had season tickets for 30 years. By far, this is the worst team ever."

"Two and 14 is 2 and 14," said fan Morgan Sheedy. "If you only perform you job 10 percent of the time, you wouldn't expect to keep your job, would you?"

"I think it's a bad move. You can't blame it all on the coach," said fan Rainey Rodgers.

Many fans agree that Crennel shouldn't be the only one held responsible. There was much grumbling that Monday's dismissal didn't include General Manager Scott Pioli, whose future with the team remains under evaluation.

"You look at the five players on the Pro Bowl team, four of the five were here before (Pioli) got here," said fan Mark McCaskill. "I don't think he's done anything with the free agents or with the draft."

Owner Clark Hunt said Monday that he will make the decision about hiring Crennel's next replacement. Many insiders suggest that if Pioli stays, he will be stripped of much of his responsibilities about the direction the team takes on the field.

"He might be able to stay if he can make some changes," said fan Monte Harrison. "But if he can't, then we don't need him."

"Because this was our worst record ever, I think they should (fire Pioli)," said fan Deborah Lee. "And get rid of the quarterback."

For the first time in the history of the franchise, the Chiefs will have the first-overall pick in next spring's NFL Draft. An obvious answer for the team's quarterback problem doesn't appear to exist in the current draft class or among known free agents.

Hunt's statement announcing Crennel's dismissal included a personal apology to the team's fans, who he said "deserve better than what we gave them this season."

"I want our fans to know that I will do everything I can to provide them with a dramatically better team, both next season and in the seasons to come, and our entire organization appreciates their support,” Hunt said.